How Long Does PCP Stay in Your System?

Phencyclidine is considered a dissociative and anesthetic drug. In other words, it can cause changes in sensory perception, hallucinations, and out-of-body experiences. This drug is a Schedule II substance because it has a high risk of abuse, making it illegal to obtain and abuse.[1]

Also known on the street as angel dust, the long-term effects of PCP include addiction, overdose, psychosis, and damage to vital organs. Unfortunately, people continue to abuse this drug for its hallucinogenic effects. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM), 6.3 million people in the United States have abused PCP at some point in their lives.[2]

If you or a loved one abuse PCP, you might be wondering how long it stays in your system. It can take up to 4 days for it to leave your body, however, drug tests can detect it in your system longer. For example, urine testing can determine if you have used PCP up to 14 days after your last dose.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is PCP
• How long does PCP stay in your system and what is the half-life is
• How long different types of drug tests can detect PCP in your body

What is Phencyclidine (PCP)?

PCP is a dissociative drug that can cause out-of-body sensations and hallucinations. This substance is also linked to violent crimes, as it can lead to aggressive behavior. If you continue to abuse PCP, you might develop a substance use disorder.

The effects of PCP may include:

• A disconnection from reality
• Feelings of euphoria
• Delusions and paranoid thinking
• Believing you are invincible or have superhuman strength
• Loss of coordination and strange patterns of speech
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
• Feelings of numbness or decreased ability to feel pain
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Auditory and visual hallucinations

Phencyclidine can block the effects of certain brain chemicals in your central nervous system, leading to hallucinations and out-of-body experiences. Sometimes, abusing PCP can lead to violent behavior and psychosis.[3] For these reasons, you should avoid using this street drug and seek help for substance abuse if you are struggling with addiction.

How Long Does PCP Stay in Your System?

Phencyclidine can begin causing symptoms at a low dose of 0.05mg. If you abuse 20mg or more, you could experience a life-threatening overdose. No matter how much PCP you abuse, it could stay in your system for up to 4 days.

To understand how long phencyclidine stays in your system, you need to know what a half-life is. A drug’s half-life explains how long it takes your body to metabolize half of the substance. It usually takes 4 to 5 half-lives for your body to eliminate a drug.

The half-life of PCP is around 17.4 hours.[4] Because of this, it might not leave your body for about 4 days. That said, substances leave behind metabolites in areas of your body for a longer period. This is how drug tests can detect PCP longer than it stays in your system.

There are several factors that affect how long PCP stays in your system. These include:

• Frequency of use
• Duration of use
• Dosage taken
• Age, weight, and genetics
• Metabolism
• Liver and kidney health
• Co-occurring physical health conditions

Heavy PCP users will have more of it built up in their system than infrequent users.

How Long Can Drug Tests Detect PCP?

If you or a loved one abuse PCP, you might be wondering how long drug tests can find it in your system. It is important to note that the only way to pass a drug test is to remain abstinent from PCP. Methods like “detox drinks” and drinking an excess of water will not allow you to beat a drug test.

The amount of time that PCP is detectable on a drug screen depends on what type of test is being used.

Urine

Urine tests are the most common form of drug screen for several reasons. For example, they tend to be minimally invasive and relatively cheap when compared to other drug tests. If you are applying for a job, on probation, or in a drug rehab program, a urine test will most likely be used.

Drug tests can detect PCP in urine for 7 to 14 days after you last used it.

Blood

Blood tests are not used as commonly as urine tests because they offer a shorter window of detection. However, they are sometimes used in hospital settings to determine if a substance is contributing to your symptoms.

Blood tests can detect PCP in your system for 24 to 48 hours after your last dose.

Saliva

Saliva tests are not used as often as urine tests for the same reason as blood tests. Keeping this in mind, their short window of detection makes them ideal for law enforcement officers who are attempting to determine if you were driving under the influence.

Saliva tests can detect PCP in your system for 5 to 10 minutes after you consumed it and up to 3 days after your last dose.

Hair

Lastly, many people dislike hair tests because they tend to discriminate and cause false positives based on factors like hair color. However, some high-clearance jobs still use them before offering employment.

Hair tests can find any drug in your system for up to 90 days after you last used it, including PCP.

Find Help for PCP Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from PCP addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Addiction treatment centers can offer the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.

At New Jersey Interventions, we can connect you with a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab center in your area. Contact us today for more information on how to get started in a PCP addiction treatment center.

References:

1. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): PCP Fast Facts 
2. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): PCP (Phencyclidine) 
3. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (JAAPL): Phencyclidine Abuse and Crime: A Psychiatric Perspective 
4. Medscape: Phencyclidine Toxicity